History of Disruption Campaign & Report
OVERVIEW
A year-long investigation into college archives led to both a social media campaign and booklet to educate students, staff, and faculty of the history of activism on campus. Social media campaign and booklet designed by Dean Strauss.
Role
Researcher, Marketer
Strategy, Archival Research, Visual design, Marketing
UNDERSTANDING THE PROBLEM
During the Fall 2019 and Spring 2020 semesters, interns from the office of Academic Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion searched Columbia's archival records as far back as 1970 in the hopes of learning more about Columbia's history of student protest, disruption, and civic engagement. What they found was a long history of collaboration between students, faculty, and staff to bring change to the city of Chicago and Columbia College itself.
There's an idea that Columbia's tradition of activism and community engagement is a thing of the past, wiped away by apathy. The truth is that Columbia students have pursued change and growth in the hopes of making their school a better place since its inception. It's necessary to acknowledge all of the acts of disruption and change that weren’t covered—and there are plenty. Students at Columbia College Chicago has a vast history of disruption, protest, and civic engagement with and without acknowledgement. They continue to challenge what Columbia is and what it can be. This report serves to remember and celebrate their disruption. Change comes from disruption. From stating their needs to demanding change, Columbia students have always been a voice for change. Being aware is the first step, and it's time to take the next one.
VISION & SOLUTIONS
There's an idea that Columbia's tradition of activism and community engagement is a thing of the past, wiped away by apathy. The truth is that Columbia students have pursued change and growth in the hopes of making their school a better place since its inception.
I tackled this through a four month long Instagram campaign which included snippets of information, as well as a booklet which included more events and information. The idea was to target students, faculty, and staff by getting them excited about their shared activist history.
